I started Early β Took my Dog β
And visited the Sea β
The Mermaids in the Basement
Came out to look at me β
And Frigates β in the Upper Floor
Extended Hempen Hands β
Presuming Me to be a Mouse β
Aground β upon the Sands β
But no Man moved Me β till the Tide
Went past my simple Shoe β
And past my Apron β and my Belt
And past my Bodice β too β
And made as He would eat me up β
As wholly as a Dew
Upon a Dandelionβs Sleeve β
And then β I started β too β
And He β He followed β close behind β
I felt His Silver Heel
Upon my Ankle β Then my Shoes
Would overflow with Pearl β
Until We met the Solid Town β
No One He seemed to know β
And bowing β with a Mighty look β
At me β The Sea withdrew β